Sleep apnea Board decisions

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is found to be secondary to his service-connected prostate cancer, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's sleep apnea was found to be incurred in service, but there is no evidence of a current right leg/calf strain or its residuals.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a neck disability and obstructive sleep apnea are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including new examinations.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of a lumbosacral spine disability and remanded it for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea was denied as there is no evidence of an in-service injury or disease related to the condition, and symptoms were not observed during service.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is service-connected, but his bilateral hearing loss is not considered to be related to active duty service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was not incurred in or aggravated by his service and may not be presumed to have been. The claims for a respiratory disorder including COPD as a residual of exposure to asbestos, and obstructive sleep apnea were also denied.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain and left foot hallux valgus with plantar fasciitis and first metatarsophalangeal joint degenerative changes are currently rated at the lowest possible compensable levels.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for nosebleeds, sleep apnea, and migraines. However, the Board finds that there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to service or any incident thereof.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral spine disability was manifested by forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 90 degrees with pain at 60 degrees, warranting a 20 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is related to his active military service and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain with degenerative joint and disc disease status post laminectomy and fusion is currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board finds that his disability does not warrant a higher rating based on current symptoms.

The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and left knee osteoarthritis with patella spur, but denied an increased rating for limitation of extension of the left knee. The Veteran's current disability ratings are as follows: 10 percent for left knee osteoarthritis with patella spur; and 10 percent for limitation of extension of the left knee.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with early degenerative joint disease has been evaluated at a 20% rating since the appeal period began. The current evidence does not support an increase in this rating.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as he did not file a timely Substantive Appeal for the July 2005 and December 2005 rating decisions.

The Veteran's temporary total disability rating for convalescence following his lumbosacral strain surgery in June 2008 is denied as there was no evidence of severe post-operative residuals after September 30, 2008.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea is aggravated by his service-connected PTSD, and thus grants secondary service connection for sleep apnea.

The Veteran's rectal cancer and obstructive sleep apnea were not shown to be related to his military service, including presumed herbicide exposure. The claims for service connection are denied.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, a back disorder, and a deviated septum. However, these claims are being remanded to obtain additional medical records and to provide the Veteran with VA examinations.

The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea had its onset during active duty. As such, service connection for this condition is granted.